Marangu Route, 5 Days

Mount Kilimanjaro Itinerary – Marangu Route, 5 Days

Marangu is the most popular route taken by trekkers to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro (Coca Cola – Route). It takes you at a gentle pace through forests, moorlands and then across a high-altitude desert called ‘The Saddle’ towards the Summit at Uhuru Point. It is generally a less expensive route to take and gives you the chance to complete the route in five days, although some people do prefer an extra day for acclimatization. One of the main differences of this route is that it offers hut accommodation which is unavailable on other routes.

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport

Pick up from airport and transfer to accommodation in Arusha for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m)

Hiking: 5hrs (approx 12kms) – : After breakfast, we will drive from Arusha to the Marangu Park gate. All hikers are required to sign in at the park entrance while the guides and porters make the final preparations. Once complete, the hike will commence through the Park gate into a beautifully green rain forest. The rain forest is full of wildlife and if you’re lucky enough, you might be able to spot a few animals along the way to our first camp, Mandara Hut.

Day 3: Horombo Hut (3720m)

Hiking: 6hrs(approx 15kms) – : In the morning, we will commence our hike through more forest area, towards the rim of the Maundi Crater. The area turns into moorlands here and you can see an array of Tanzania’s vast wildlife and nature along the journey to the next camp at Horombo Hut.

Day 4: Kibo Hut (4700 m)

Hiking: 6hrs (Approx 15kms) – : This is a rest and acclimatization day and we will walk to either Zebra Rocks or Mawenzi Hut. We will walk through the moorlands across The Saddle towards Kibo Hut.

Day 5: Uhuru Peak (3720m)

Hiking time: 14hrs (27kms) – : Our journey to the Summit will begin at around midnight. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path and steep scree towards Gillman’s point which is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. We will continue towards Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro before descending back to Kibo Hut for lunch and a rest before heading to Horombo hut.